Help! Seeking Advice for my 1st EBMM purchase

[particleman]

I'm a relatively new guitar player (3 years), with a modified PRS SE, and have been bitten by all the rave reviews on Music Man guitars, especially the Silhouette (standard) and JP models. I also just got the okay from my better half to trade my SE and use that toward a MM purchase, with a little supplemental funds. I'm really looking for some sage advice from EBMM experienced players in the following areas before I pull the trigger. Thanks so much for your help - definetly looking forward to joining the family!

1. I pretty much can't afford either the Silhouette or JP versions loaded with piezo right now, but I really want a piezo option ultimately. The JP with piezo is a bit too pricey for me (even used) as my limit is about $1000. And I can't seem to find any Silhouette's (used or new) that have the piezo; I'm also guessing that a new Silhouette with piezo would be outside my range also. So, was wondering if anyone had knowledge of how either guitar was with an after market piezo addition that I would consider making in a year or so - most likely the graphtech GHOST piezo saddles and circuit board addition.

2. I've seen some pretty good deals on the EBMM guitar for sale thread forum, but I'm a bit uncertain how that process works security wise. I'm just a little nervous of some unscrupulous individuals, then getting screwed out of my funds and end up with nothing. How is security there compared to ebay or the such, and how do I prevent getting ripped off using the forum method.

3. Any advice on the Silhouette vs. JP version, knowing that I'm a little cash strapped and so the JP might be a real stretch for me. I'm really thinking the Silhouette is the version for me, as I'm wanting a 24 fret guitar, humbuckers are always my preference, though I do occassionally like a single coil tone. I'm not into heavy metal, so was thinking that the JP probably wasn't really necessary for what I like to play (cleaner rock tones typically), and of course the JP price is a real detracter for me. I've tried a Music Man about a year ago at Guitar Center, and did like the neck, but wasn't in the market then so didn't really pay too much attention to details or sound - and now I haven't been able to find another MM in stock to try out. If I could get some insight on the Silhouette vs. JP and comparison to how much of a difference I should notice between my modified PRS SE Custom I would really appreciate (modifications on my PRS are locking tuners, Seymour Duncan P-Rails with coil splits).

Thanks for anyone who can help on any of these - sorry for the long posting.

 

[balance]

I'm relatively new here myself, but can tell you that I've already noticed a few long-term posters on here that I would buy with confidence from. A board like this will usually weed out the chaff real quickly as you have a lot of seriously dedicated EBMM fans on here from what I've seen. Also, BP seems to take no crap from anyone, so I think account execution would not be far behind and unscrupulous activity on here.


As for EBMMs, you can't go wrong. I only own one right now, but it has outlasted every other guitar I own and is as well built as any boutique guitar I have owned. I'm not sure if you can get a JP for $1000, but a used Silhouette seems feasible at that price point (not sure about a piezo though). Not sure of the specs you are looking for, but there are a couple of Morse models for sale right now too that are right at the $1000 price point. I don't think you'll be disappointed with any model though.

 

[Jack FFR1846]

First, go to your profile and fill it in. It really helps when people local to you can give advice. I know I keep looking constantly for used MM's and know where several are local to me.

I'm in the same boat on security. I will sell long distance but won't buy....it's just me. I use Craigslist and locals on this forum. Bought my sub1 on CL and the Axis from a board member who is one town over from me.

I don't think your budget is out of line and I've seen JP's locally for that. They don't come up every day, so you do have to always look and be ready to buy when one comes up.

Welcome to the forum and have a great stay.

jack

 

[colinboy]

welcome to the forum mate.stick around as its great place to be and the people are very friendly here.As the other guy posted before me fill in your signature details and once we get to know you properly then you should be able to buy a 2nd hand silo or JP from a reliable seller here.
the guys here are selling/buyings guitars from eachother all the time from the USA to EUROPE to AUSTRAILIA!

your in safe hands.

 

[paranoid70]

I don't think EB vouches for any buyer and seller in the for sale thread, but I have not heard of any one getting ripped off. I think all transactions would basically be on the "honor" system.

As far as Silhouettes vs JP's go, I would say that the most important difference is the neck profile. The JP neck is slimmer and perhaps faster, but I personally prefer the neck on the Silhouette.

Based upon what information I got from the original post, I would really look for a Silhouette guitar. Unfortunately, they tend to be more rare than the 22 fret Silhouette Special. One should be able find a Silhouette and/or special second hand for < $1k.

Good luck.

 

[robelinda2]

Ive bought guitars from several forum members, all were smooth and easy to deal with, WAY more trustworthy than ebay!!!!! Its a real little community here, I would be very surprised to hear of anyone screwing over a fellow forumite.

 

[Larry]

Never had a problem with anyone on here. (I have both bought and sold.)

 

[DrGonzo5150]

Ive bought guitars from several forum members, all were smooth and easy to deal with, WAY more trustworthy than ebay!!!!! Its a real little community here, I would be very surprised to hear of anyone screwing over a fellow forumite.

+1

My international transaction went down with no dramas.
Dito for my local purchases.

Hang around for a little while and you can tell the long term Forumites from the newbies such as myself..
You should have no dramas buying or selling with the Forum Vets.. and don't be afraid to ask or even seek references.

 

[beej]

hey particleman- welcome to the forum.

Regarding the piezo, I've installed a Ghost system (in my Morse). Works great, but I would take the factory install over it any day.

In my case it wasn't an option (not offered on the Morse), but I'd say if you're leaning towards one hold out until you find one with the factory piezo. The Ghost system is good, but the EBMM install is cleaner and less expensive once you factor in the parts and your time for the install. Just my two cents.

 

[Astrofreq]

I have an Axis Super Sport with Piezo I'm selling.

 

[particleman]

Thanks for all the intel so far everyone. I definetly appreciate and am seriously considering the posts that you've been kind enough to give. I did update my profile, via one recommendation. With respect to the getting ripped off via the EBMM forum - I just wanted to make sure to clarify that I wasn't implying any fear of getting ripped off by a legitimate EBMM forum user. More that, with the simplicity I had with getting a forum user id and the such, I think it would be a piece of cake for a bad seed to get an id, post a for sale ad, get my money via PayPal or whatever, and run. It seems like the only thing I can gauge a valid from invalid user then is by their length of time being an EBMM forum user vs. something like ebay or a retailer where I can get a buy/sell history insight. Anyway, I just didn't want to get off to a bad start with EBMM forum users. Thanks.

 

[phatduckk]

no worries man. stick around for a bit and you'll definitely "get to know" the folks on here. we're not a big community and if you stick around and post for a few weeks you'll easy see that there's a ton of great and trustworthy folks here.

as far as the instrument purchase goes. I personally have never seen a silo w/ a piezo. Ive seen a ton of JP's and Axis Super Sports - but never a Silo. I don't want to be a bummer but waiting to find a use silo w/ piezo may take some time.

 

[chemical69]

I was trying to decide between a JP and a Silhouette as well, ended up getting a Silhouette last week

I was hoping to snag a used one on ebay, Craigslist or here but like phatduckk said, they are quite hard to find compared to other EBMM models. Silo specials aren't that hard to come by, but the 24 fret Silo is IMO.

what kind of neck do you prefer? i think that's the deciding factor. The JP neck is very thin and wider compared to the Silo. The Silo's rounder feel is what I prefer. It can definitely do clean-ish rock tones well

 

[Spudmurphy]

Welcome to the forum.
The piezo is a fabulous option to have.

Just keep looking around.
I managed to get a "road dog" of a JP with Piezo for $600.
It needs some TLC but will be worth it in the end.

 

[meenahga]

Hello and welcome. As far as the piezo, I cannot comment having never tried an EBMM with one in person. In regards to buying/selling here on the forum, I have had only great positive experiences here. I have bought and sold from forum members. I think it is great advice to stick around here awhile. You'll soon get to know people here, and never hesitate to ask for references from other forumites. On the Silo/JP decision, if you can, try playing each if at all possible. My first EBMM guitar was a Silo, which just spoke to me. It was years later I got to try a JP. I found the neck on the JP a bit wider and prefered the Silo, but only you can determine which is right for you. Enjoy!